He first came to semi-prominence as a cast member on the NBC sit-com "Hearts Afire" with John Ritter and Markie Post. He also had small roles in films like "Indecent Proprosal", "On Deadly Ground", and "Tombstone". In 1996, he wrote, directed, and starred in an independent film called "Sling Blade". "Sling Blade" garnered international acclaim, and made Thornton a star. He's also appeared in "Pushing Tin", "Armaggedon", "The Apostle", "Primary Colors", "A Simple Plan", and "Bandits".